throughout the length and breadth of the Federal * Mr. Forsyth having heard of this case, wrote to Ellis, December 9th, 1836, as " the owners of the brig Fourth of July arc content," he is not to insist on the restoration of the vessel, but onl}'to demand satisfaction for the insult offered to the American Flag
Republic. The tone assumed by Mr. Ellis was not less offensive than the pretended grievances themselves. Of that tone, we may form some opinion from the dignified conclusion of the Mexican answer :
"Yonr Excellency, after specifying all the subjects which have been thus replied to, goes on to say, that the Mexican armed vessels have fired upon and insulted the fla<x of the United States, that her consuls have been mal- treated and insulted by the authorities, private citizens assassinated, arrested, and scourged, like malefactors, their property condemned and confiscated, &c., &c. But as these charges are made in terms so general, the Supreme Go^ernment of the Republic desires that they may be specified, before taking them into consideration."